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Is Dioscorides' Arum toxic to cats?

Arum dioscoridis

Toxic to cats

Yes — dioscorides' arum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). Ingestion causes intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, swelling, and vomiting. The spathe and berries are especially concentrated. Handle with gloves — sap can cause skin irritation.

What to do if your cat ate dioscorides' arum

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move dioscorides' arum out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of dioscorides' arum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten dioscorides' arum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is dioscorides' arum toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dioscorides' arum toxic to cats?

Yes — dioscorides' arum is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). Ingestion causes intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, swelling, and vomiting. The spathe and berries are especially concentrated. Handle with gloves — sap can cause skin irritation.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dioscorides' arum?

All Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). Ingestion causes intense burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, drooling, swelling, and vomiting. The spathe and berries are especially concentrated. Handle with gloves — sap can cause skin irritation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to dioscorides' arum.

What should I do if my cat ate dioscorides' arum?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is dioscorides' arum toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dioscorides' Arum is toxic to dogs as well. See the full dioscorides' arum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dioscorides' arum?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full dioscorides' arum pet-safety